Seven and TEN set for court in May
TEN and Seven will face off in court over veteran programmer John Stephens on May 14.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
TEN and Seven will face off in court over the contract for veteran programmer John Stephens in May.
Fairfax reports NSW Supreme Court Justice Stevenson has set the 14 May for a two-day hearing into allegations that Seven Network induced a breach of contract in order to prevent him  defecting to TEN.
It’s understood TEN is no longer pursing Stephens as a potential employee, but may be able to prevent him from working for Seven as a consultant.
Stephens reportedly sent an email to TEN chief executive Hamish McLennan less than a week after his defection explaining, “Now that I have stopped the painkillers and other drugs and with a clear mind, I feel that I can no longer accept the appointment and will not be commencing employment with Ten.”
In a statement on Wednesday, TEN said there had been a lot of “noise and misinformation” about extensive negotiations with Stephens.
“Network Ten wants to get the truth of what happened after that contract was signed by Mr Stephens,” the statement said. “The leaking of confidential documents to the media only strengthens our resolve.
“We believe Seven Network, Bruce McWilliam, Tim Worner and others have a case to answer.”
Source / Photo: Fairfax
12 Responses
It is a lot of hot air but does nothing to address the serious problems facing TEN.
Well, if Nine has any involvement, it might be that they could already be casting for a mini-series about this, TV Wars?
Don’t worry David. I have only just read this story and all looks good to me. I am sure you don’t need somebody else stating what has been stated so many time before!!!!
Now if we could relate to the story. I only hope seven have given him a big wage increase and it costs seven more money to keep him.
I knew Nine would be involved in this mess!
Clearly been a long week for some! Yes I mucked up. Corrected with apologies!
Do you mean Seven and Ten?
Hi David,
Just noticed that the Title is Seven and Nine when it should read Seven and Ten.
Thanks
Should the heading say TEN instead of Nine?
David, shouldn’t the heading be ‘Seven and Ten set for court in May’ and not Seven and Nine
Do you mean Seven and Ten set for court in May, David?
You mean Ten in the headline, don’t you?
Ummm, David why does it say Nine and not Ten